Objects

(a) To promote the betterment of farmers in the attainment of their economic and social goals;

(b) To conduct projects for the benefit of farmers in the development of markets for and marketing of farm products;

(c) To achieve the reduction of costs and other measures designed to increase the economic benefits of farming;

(d) To conduct educational and research projects for the benefit of farmers;

(e) To promote and secure legislation and other forms of government action for the benefit of farmers;

(f) To promote a higher standard of community life in agriculture;

(g) To provide services for its members consistent with its objects and work jointly with any other persons or organizations for the attainment of its objects.

4. The Union shall have no political affiliation and shall be non-partisan in politics and free from racial, religious and political discrimination. (12/72)

Status of Members

5. Men and women shall have equal status.

Membership and Dues

6. Any person who meets the qualifications for membership may become a member of the Union by being duly accepted into membership of any local and paying the designated membership fee; or may become a member of the Union by applying directly to the Executive, and paying the designated membership fee and being duly accepted by the Executive. (01/94)

Qualifications for Membership

7. The following persons shall be eligible for membership in the Union:

(a) Any person, including the resident spouse or children of that person, engaged in farming in Canada.

(b) Any retired or displaced farmer until such person has been employed for two years in any other industry. (01/88)

(c) Any non-farming family unit or person may become an associate member with all the rights and responsibilities of any other member except the right to vote or hold an elected position. (01/91)

(d) Any non-farm youth may become an associate member with all the rights and responsibilities of any other member except the right to vote or hold an elected position. (01/91)

8.Membership in the Union shall be based on a family unit. Dependent children of each family unit between ages of 14 and 21 shall be regarded as members of the union. (12/73)

Form of Application

9. All applications for membership shall be in such form as shall be from time to time determined by the Executive.

Membership Cards

10.Each member shall, upon being accepted into membership, receive a membership card from the Central Office, in such form and in such manner as may from time to time be determined by the Executive.

Membership Dues

i) New members who sign a yearly bank authorization shall be offered an introductory membership of two years for the price of a one-year membership unit after which time the member shall pay the regular annual membership fee. (01/94)

ii) Any youth between the ages of 14 and 25 may become a member of the union by the payment of an annual fee of 50% of the regular membership fee, excepting members who farm in regions where provincial stable funding mandates that the full membership fee be paid. (01/88, 01/91, 11/13)

iii) Any non-farming family unit or person may become an associate member of the union by the payment of an annual fee which is determined from time to time by the Board. (12/96, 11/09)

iv) Where a region is participating in a legislated provincial funding program, each member of the region shall pay an annual membership fee which is determined from time to time by the Board. (11/02)

(b) Membership dues shall be divided between the local, the district and the central office, as may from time to time be determined by the Board.

Life Members

12. (a) Any person otherwise qualified to become a member of the union may, upon the payment of the sum of twenty times the annual membership fee, become a lifetime member of the union, and be known as a "Life Member."

(b) Life members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges, and be subject to the same duties, obligations and limitations as members.

(c) The surviving spouse of a married couple who were Life Members shall, upon the death of one of them, continue to be a Life Member.

Service Award Certificates

13. Any member, upon reaching the age of 65 years, who has been a member in good standing for the previous twenty years, may, upon recommendation of a local be awarded a Service Award Certificate by central office. (12/84)

Local, District and Regional Funds

14. The locals, districts, and regions may raise additional amounts of money by any means permitted by the National Farmers Union Act of Incorporation, the Constitution and Bylaws of the Union, and the Canadian Corporations Act. (11/02)

Suspension of Members

15. The membership of a member acting contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws may be suspended by the executive acting on its own initiative, or upon the recommendation of a local, until the next meeting of the board, provided, however, that before any motion of suspension is put to a meeting, written notice shall have been forwarded by prepaid registered mail to the member concerned at least seven days prior to the date of the meeting where the motion is to be considered, and the motion is carried by 2/3 vote of members present and voting at the meeting.

Expulsion of Members

16. A member acting contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws may be expelled from membership by the board, provided, however, that before any motion of expulsion is put to a meeting that written notice shall have been forwarded by prepaid registered mail to the member concerned at least seven days prior to the date of the meeting where the motion is to be considered, and the motion is carried by a 2/3 vote of the directors present and voting at the meeting.

Appeal Against Expulsion

17. Any member so expelled from membership by the board may appeal to the next annual convention of the union. The convention shall establish a committee of three persons, who are not directors of the union, who shall investigate the cause of such expulsion and shall confirm such expulsion or reinstate such member on such terms as they deem just.

Collection of Fees

18. It shall be the duty of every local secretary-treasurer to assist in the collection of membership fees, and to forward same to central office in such manner as may from time to time be determined by the executive.

Membership Period

19. The membership period shall be one year from the date of the person becoming a member, provided, however, that the executive may initiate a longer period of membership, subject to the approval of the board.

Expiry of Membership

20. Any member who fails to pay membership dues within 60 days of the date of expiration of membership shall cease to be a member forthwith.

Conventions of the Union

21. Annual and special conventions of the union shall be the governing body of the union and shall outline the policies to be followed by the executive, the board and the locals.

Annual Convention

22. The annual convention of the union shall be held on such date and in such place as the executive may determine.

Who May Attend Conventions

23. (a) Members of the board of directors, members of the women’s advisory committee, members of the youth advisory committee, district directors, district women directors, and district youth directors, shall be entitled to attend and vote at the convention.

(b) Duly elected delegates of the locals, as provided by Section 74 shall be entitled to attend and vote at conventions.

Who May Be A Delegate

24. No person shall act as a delegate at any convention of the union unless such person be a member of the union.

Special Conventions

25. Special conventions of the union may be called by the executive for the transaction of special business at such time and place as the executive may decide.

Convention – How Called

26. Conventions of the union shall be called by written notice mailed by the secretary to those entitled to attend the convention as defined in Section 23(a) and to the secretary-treasurer of each local, at least three weeks prior to the date of the convention, stating the time, date and place thereof. Notice of special conventions shall state the special business to be considered thereat.

Convention to Elect Officers

27. The annual convention shall elect from among the members of the union:

(a) One President;

(b) One 1st Vice-President of Policy;

(c) One 2nd Vice-President of Operations;

(c) One Women'

s President;

(d) One Women'

s Vice-President;

(e) One Youth President;

(f) One Youth Vice-President. (11/09)

Registration

28. Delegates to the convention and visiting members shall pay a registration fee to assist in paying the expenses of the convention, the amount of such fee to be determined by the executive.

Pooling of Transportation

29.(a) Transportation costs of all delegates attending the convention and such other persons who are entitled to attend, shall be paid by central office if deemed feasible by the executive.

(b) If the executive considers it not feasible to pay the transportation costs referred to in 29(a), transportation costs of all those attending the convention shall be pooled in such manner as may be determined by the executive.

Credentials Committee

30.The executive shall appoint a credentials committee to examine into and report to the convention on all credentials of delegates attending the convention.

Call to Order

31. (a) The convention shall be called to order by the president and its first order of business shall be the election of a chairman for the convention.

Resolutions Committee

32. The convention shall elect to the resolutions committee members in the number it may determine, and these persons, together with the resolutions committee of the board, shall constitute the resolutions committee of the convention. It shall be the duty of this committee to coordinate the resolutions sent in for consideration of the convention, and to determine the order in which resolutions should be considered by the convention.

Other Committees

33. The convention may elect such other committees as it may deem necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the convention.

Resolutions to Convention

34. (a) All resolutions approved by the board, a regional convention or a district convention, shall be eligible for presentation at the convention.

(b) Any resolution may be presented to the convention if 2/3 majority of those voting at the convention approve that it be presented.

Adoption of Resolutions

35. Except as herein otherwise provided, all resolutions put to the vote of any convention of members of the union shall be decided by a majority of those voting.

Appointment of Auditor

36. The convention shall appoint an auditor to make a yearly audit of the books of the union. The auditor shall make a report to the next convention, or whenever called upon to do so.

REGIONS

Regions – How Established

37. The board shall divide Canada into regions in such manner as they may from time to time determine.

Regional Conventions

38. An annual convention shall be held in each region at least 60 days prior to the annual convention of the union. The purpose of the convention shall be to:

(a) Develop strategy and action on matters concerning the members residing in the region which is consistent with national policy;

(b) Consider policies and programs to be recommended to the annual convention of the union;

(c) Consider services provided through the regional office;

(d) Elect one member, or such other number of members as may be assigned from the region, to the board;

(e) Elect one women'

s advisory committee member;

(f) Elect one youth advisory committee member. (01/91, 01/94)

Conventions – How Called

39. The executive shall publicize among the members residing in the region the date and place of such convention, as defined in Section 38, at least three weeks prior to the date of the convention, in such manner as it may determine. (11/02)

Who May Attend Conventions and Vote Thereat

40. All members in good standing residing in the region shall be entitled to attend and vote at the convention. (11/95)

Call to Order

41. The annual regional convention shall be called to order by the regional coordinator, and its first order of business shall be the election of a chairperson. (01/91)

Resolutions to Convention

42. (a) All resolutions approved by districts and locals within the region shall be eligible for presentation to the regional convention.

(b) Any resolution may be presented to the regional convention if 2/3 majority of those voting at the convention approve that it be presented. (01/91)

Registration

43. Regional members to each regional convention shall pay a registration fee to assist in paying the expenses of the convention, the amount of such fee to be determined by the executive. (11/95)

Regional Offices

44. The executive may establish an office or offices in each region for the purpose of administration, and to provide such services to the members as may be from time to time determined by the board. (01/89)

Appointment of Regional Coordinator

45. The executive shall appoint a member of the board from each region as the regional coordinator for that region except for those regions where members elect their own coordinator, provided the coordinator sits on the National Board and signs the National Oath of Office. (11/15)

Duties of the Regional Coordinator

46. (a) It shall be the duty of the regional coordinator to perform such duties as may be assigned by the executive.

(b) It shall be the duty of the regional coordinator to convene meetings from time to time of the national board members and advisory members within the region to inform them and coordinate their activities into the general program of the union.

(c) It shall be the duty of the regional coordinator to convene meetings, from time to time, of the district executive officers within the region to inform them and coordinate their activities into the general program of the union. (12/79)

DISTRICTS

Districts – How Constituted

47. The board shall divide the regions into districts and adjust the boundaries of said districts as they may from time to time determine.

District Conventions

48. A convention shall be held annually in each district of its officers and members. The date and place of such convention shall be determined by the district executive, in consultation with the regional coordinator. (01/95)

Conventions – How Called

49. The annual district convention shall be called by the secretary of the union, who shall mail a written notice of same to the district officers, the members of the district board, and the secretary of each local in the district, such notice to be mailed at least three weeks prior to the date set for the convention, and shall state the time, date and place of same.

Who May Attend Conventions

50. All members in good standing residing in the district shall be entitled to attend the convention and vote at same. (01/95, 11/95)

Call to Order

51. The annual district convention shall be called to order by the district director, and its first order of business shall be the election of a chairperson.

Resolutions to Convention

52. (a) All resolutions approved by a local within a district, or approved by the district board shall be eligible for presentation to a district convention.

(b) Any resolution may be presented to a district convention if 2/3 majority of those voting at the convention approve that it be presented.

Appointment of Auditor

53. The annual district convention shall appoint an auditor to make a yearly audit of the books of the district, and prepare a report for presentation to the next annual district convention.

Election of Officers

54. The annual district convention shall elect from among the members residing in the district:

(a) A district director;

(b) A district women'

s director;

(c) A district youth director.

District Executive

55. Those persons elected under Section 54 hereof shall become the district executive, and the district board is hereby empowered to add to the district executive from among its number in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

Vacancies – How Filled

56. Vacancies in the district executive may be filled by the district board.

Duties of District Executive

57. (a) The management of the business and the property of the district and of its affairs shall be entrusted to the district executive, subject to the policies and decisions of the district convention, the district board and the constitution or bylaws of the union.

(b) The district executive shall appoint a secretary-treasurer for the district.

Duties of District Directors

58. The district director shall, immediately following election to office, assume and be responsible for the supervision and direction of the locals within the district, and shall report to the district board and annual convention of the district.

Duties of District Women’s Director

59. The district women's director shall, immediately following election to office, assist in district work, encourage participation of women in the activities of the union and shall be the district director if the office of district director becomes vacant for any cause.

Duties of District Youth Director

60. The district youth director shall, immediately following election to office, be responsible for the supervision and direction of programs within the district that are of specific interest to youth.

Directors to Act as Delegates

61. District directors, district women directors, district youth directors shall be entitled to attend the annual or special conventions of the union as voting delegates.

Duties of District Secretary-Treasurer

62. It shall be the duty of the district secretary-treasurer to attend all conventions of the district, attend all meetings of the district executive and district board, to keep proper records of proceedings of meetings, to conduct all correspondence on behalf of the district, to receive all monies and disburse same, to issue and receive receipts, to present an audited financial statement to the annual district convention, and to perform such other duties as may be assigned by the district executive.

Bonding of District Secretary-Treasurer

63. The district secretary-treasurer may enter into a bond, at the expense of the district, for the proper fulfilment of duties. Such bond shall be in such amount and in such form as the district executive shall determine.

District Board

64. The members of the district executive together with the presidents of the locals within the district or an executive member of the local appointed by the president to act on behalf of the local shall constitute the district board. (12/74)

Duties of District Board

65. The district board shall:

(a) Elect one of its members to be chairman of the board;

(b) Recommend a program of activities to their district convention and assist the district executive in carrying out the program in their district.

LOCALS

Locals – How Constituted

66. (a) Members of the union shall be organized into locals of the union and for this purpose any 35 units of membership may request the executive to constitute a local of the union.

(b) A local of less than 35 units of membership may be chartered by special permission from the national executive. (12/81, 12/85)

Chartering of Locals

67. Every local so constituted shall have a distinctive name and/or number approved by the executive, and shall thereafter be known by such name and/or number, and shall receive a charter of authority from the executive under the seal of the union and signed by the president and secretary thereof.

Annual Meeting

68. Each local shall hold an annual meeting of its members not later than the first day of April in each fiscal year of the union. (12/72)

Election of Officers

69. (1) The annual meeting of each local shall elect from among its members:

(a) A president;

(b) A vice-president;

(c) Not less than three and not more than five directors;

one of which shall be a youth and one of which shall be a woman and persons so elected shall constitute the local executive.1/90

(2) In the case of a vacancy occurring on the local executive, the next local meeting shall elect a member to fill the vacancy.12/73

Duties of Local Executive

70. It shall be the duty of the local executive to:

(a) Appoint a secretary-treasurer for the local;

(b) Establish such committees as it deems necessary to properly fulfil the functions of the local;

(c) Manage the business and property of the local and its affairs subject to the policies and decisions of the members of the local, and its charter of authority under the seal of the union.

Bonding of Local Secretary-Treasurer or Secretary and Treasurer

71. The local secretary-treasurer or secretary and treasurer may enter into a bond at the expense of the local for the proper fulfilment of duties. Such bond shall be in such amount and in such form as the local executive shall determine.

Appointment of Auditor

72. The annual meeting of each local shall appoint an auditor. It shall be the duty of the auditor to audit the books of the local and to prepare a report for presentation to the next annual meeting of the local.

Meetings – How Called

73. (a) Meetings of the local shall be held at the call of the president or the secretary, or of two directors at such time and in such manner as each local shall determine.

(b) The district board may call a meeting of a local at any time and in such manner as the district board shall determine.

Delegates to Convention

74. Every local shall be entitled to elect from among its members delegates to the annual convention of the union, and for this purpose shall be entitled to one delegate or one delegate for each 20 of its units of membership or major fraction thereof as shown by the records of the local on the date fixed for such convention. (12/72, 12/83, 01/95)

(a) Members who live in an area where no active local exists may request delegate credentials directly from National Office at least 60 days prior to National Convention. Credentials will be issued to that member from National Office subject to approval of the Regional Coordinator for that region. (11/07)

Duties of the President

75. (a) The president shall be the chief executive officer of the local and ex-officio member of all committees. (12/74)

(b) The vice-president shall assist the president in the conduct of duties and shall be the president in the event the office of president becomes vacant for any cause. (12/74)

Duties of Secretary-Treasurer

76. It shall be the duty of the secretary-treasurer of the local to attend all meetings of the local and of the executive of the local and to keep proper records of proceedings of the meetings, to conduct all correspondence on behalf of the local, to assist in the collection of membership fees, to receive all monies and disburse same, to issue and to receive receipts for all monies, to maintain a record of membership of the local, to present an audited financial statement to the annual meeting of the local, and to perform such other duties as may be assigned by the executive of the local.

77. Notwithstanding anything in Section 71, the executive of the local may divide the duties of secretary-treasurer between a secretary and a treasurer as it may see fit.

Suspension of Locals

78. The executive may suspend any local acting contrary to the Constitution or in detriment to the union, including non-payment of dues to the union, and such local shall thereupon cease to operate, and shall, until reinstated, have no right to be represented at any convention or district convention of the union.

Notice of Suspension

79. The executive shall cause every suspended local to be notified of its suspension by prepaid registered mail sent to its secretary as recorded in the books of the union, and such local may, within thirty days from the mailing of said notice, appeal to the board of directors against its suspension.

Appeal to Board

80. The board shall, upon receipt of an appeal from a local against its suspension, investigate the matter in any manner it may in its absolute discretion consider sufficient and proper, and either cancel the suspension order, and reinstate such local, or affirm the suspension order and cancel the local’s warrant of authority.

Assets of Suspended Local

81. All monies, property and records of a suspended local shall, during the period of suspension, be retained by the officers of the local as trustees for the union, and shall, upon the warrant of authority being cancelled, become and be the property of the union, and all persons having any monies, property or records in their possession belonging to such local shall deliver up the same to the central office of the union.

Disbandment

82. (a) A local may be disbanded. A special meeting shall be called to consider any motion to disband. Notice in writing setting out the purpose of the meeting, the date and time when, and place where it will be held shall be sent to every member of the local at least two weeks before the date fixed for the meeting. The secretary shall prepare a financial statement of the affairs of the local for such meeting and present it at the meeting.

(b) No motion to disband shall be entertained until such a statement has been prepared and presented. If such statement is not available, the meeting shall appoint a person or persons to prepare the same and the meeting adjourned to such time and place as the members present by majority vote decide.

(c) Upon the presentation of the statement, arrangements should be made for the payment of all outstanding accounts, and the disposition of any funds or property of the local. Thereafter a motion to disband may be adopted, and if adopted, a certified copy of it shall be sent to the central office, and upon receipt of same by the central office, the local shall be disbanded.

(d) Amalgamation of Locals – A special meeting in each affected local must be called by the presidents in each of the locals involved. Written notices are to be sent to every member of the locals involved two weeks prior to meetings. A motion for amalgamation would be presented and if passed by each local, a special joint meeting must be arranged within 30 days and notices sent out for this meeting to elect officers and local executives. (12/96)

Union Executive May Disband Locals

83. If a local disbands without complying with the provisions of the preceding section hereof, or fails to remit to the central office the annual membership fees for at least 15 units of memberships or is suspended under the provisions of Section 79 hereof, the executive may notify each person who has been a paid-up member of such local during the preceding two years by registered mail of its intention to disband the said local, and by such notice shall state the reason for the proposed disbandment; and if the reason for the proposed disbandment is not within three months from the date of the notice removed to the satisfaction of the executive, the executive may by resolution declare such local to be disbanded, and thereupon all property of the said local, whether real or personal, shall become the property of the union.

OFFICIALS

Officers

84. (a) All candidates for elected offices of the union and of any district shall be nominated in open convention and be elected by secret ballot. The form and procedure to be followed in connection with each election shall be determined by the convention.

(b) No member of the union shall stand for election as an officer of the union, or director of the union, if an executive position is held in a co-operative or commodity farm organization from which $1500 or more is received as an annual wage or honorarium.

Term of Office

85. No elected officer of the union, or director of the union, or district director shall hold the same office continuously for more than ten consecutive years.

86. (a) All elected officers of the union shall assume office upon election and shall hold office until their successors are elected.

(b) Board members and advisory committee members elected at the regional convention shall begin their duties immediately following the annual convention of the union. (11/02);

Oath of Office

87. Each elected officer shall, before taking office, sign a declaration pledging to faithfully discharge the duties of such office, to abide by the constitution, and to loyally support and further the interests of the union.

Duties of the President

88. The president shall be the chief executive officer and an ex-officio member of all committees. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of the executive.

Duties of Vice-President

89. (a) The 1st Vice-President of Policy shall assist the President in the conduct of duties and shall be the President in the event the office of President becomes vacant for any cause. The 1st Vice-President shall be responsible for the implementation of the policy of the union. (11/09)

(b) The 2nd Vice-President of Operations shall assist the President in the conduct of duties. The 2nd Vice-President shall be responsible for operations of the union. (11/09)

Duties of Women’s President

90.The women’s president, through her involvement on the executive, shall provide leadership to facilitate participation of women at all levels of the union.

Duties of Women’s Vice President

91.The women’s vice-president shall assist the women’s president in her duties and shall be the women’s president in the event the office of women’s president becomes vacant from any cause.

Duties of Youth President

92. The youth president shall be in charge of youth programs and shall co-ordinate such programs within the general program of the union.

Duties of Youth Vice-President

The youth vice-president shall assist the youth president in the conduct of duties and shall be the youth president in the event the office of youth president becomes vacant from any cause.

Reports to Convention

94. It shall be the duty of the president to present to the annual convention a report of the board on the affairs of the union.

95. It shall be the duty of the women’s president to present to the annual convention a report on her work.

96. It shall be the duty of the youth president to report to the annual convention on work performed.

Duties of Secretary

97. It shall be the duty of the secretary to attend all meetings of the union, of the board and of the executive, and to keep proper minutes of the same and to perform such other duties as may be assigned by the executive.

Duties of Treasurer

98. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive all funds of the union, and to deposit same in such bank or credit union as the executive may direct. The treasurer shall keep proper books of account, and furnish full and complete information on all matters dealt with whenever called upon to do so by the executive. A duly audited statement of the financial affairs of the union shall be presented to the annual convention of the union, and such other duties shall be performed as may be assigned by the executive.

Bonding

99. The secretary, the treasurer and such other officials as the executive may determine, shall enter into a bond, at the expense of the union, for the proper fulfilment of their respective duties. Such bond shall be in such amount and in such form as the executive may determine.

(c) If any board member has missed three (3) consecutive board meetings, without giving prior notice of their intent to be absent, the board may declare that seat vacant. (11/16)

101. The board of directors shall consist of a maximum of 25 members.

102. The number of directors to be elected from each region shall be determined annually by the board; the board shall take into consideration the number of members in each region.

Quorum

103. A quorum of the board shall consist of 2/3 of the number of board members present at the previous board meeting, not to be less than 12 of the board positions filled plus one. (11/04)

Meetings – How Called

104. The secretary of the union shall call a meeting of the board whenever requested to do so by the president or by the executive or by a majority of the directors. Such meeting shall be called by forwarding to each member of the board a written notice giving the time, date and place of the meeting and such notice shall be mailed at least ten days before the date fixed for the meeting.

Waiver of Notice

105. A meeting of the board may be held at any time without prior notice thereof, providing at least two-thirds of the members are present at such meeting, and sign a consent to the holding of the same before the commencement of the meeting. When such meeting is a conference call or other form of technology that allows board members to be in diverse locations, connecting into the meeting will be classed as permission. (11/02)

Duties of the Board

106. The board of directors shall be the policy-making body of the union between conventions. It shall be the duty of the board to interpret into action decisions made by the convention.

107. The board shall, after each annual convention, appoint a resolutions committee, representative of the regions. It shall be the duty of the resolutions committee to examine all resolutions sent into the central office between conventions, edit and revise same, and prepare them for presentation to the board, district conventions, regional meetings or annual conventions as the resolutions may require.

108. The board shall elect from among their number four of their members to the Executive Committee of the union, and these persons so elected, together with the President, Women’s President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President and Youth President shall constitute the Executive of the union. (11/09)

109. The board may elect from among its members such other committees as it may deem necessary to properly fulfil the functions of the union, provided, however, that the decisions of such committees shall be subject to the approval of the board.

110. The board shall, after each annual convention, fix the remuneration to be paid to the elected officers and directors of the union during their term of office.

111. The board shall consider general policies on such matters as finance, expenditure, organization, regional development, and such other policy matters as it may, from time to time, determine.

Banking and Borrowing

112.(1) The directors of the union may, and they are hereby authorized, from time to time to:

(a) Borrow money upon the credit of the union in such amounts and upon such terms as they may think proper for the purpose of carrying out the objects of the union;

(b) Hypothecate, pledge or mortgage the real and personal property of the union;

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in Sub-section 1, the executive may exercise the powers given to the directors in this section on their behalf by resolution.

(3) The directors of the union shall, no less than sixty days prior to the date of the annual convention review the annual membership fee and, if necessary, prepare a constitutional amendment thereon for the consideration of delegates. (12/82)

EXECUTIVE

Meetings – How Called

113. The executive shall meet at the call of the president, and the president shall call a meeting of the executive whenever requested to do so by a majority of the executive.

Quorum

114. Five members of the Executive shall constitute a quorum, and at least one of the five shall be elected to the Executive by the Board. (11/09)

Duties of the Executive

115. The management of the business and property of the union and of its affairs will be entrusted to the executive, subject to the rules, policies, decisions and regulations of the union in convention assembled, and of the board.

116. The executive shall appoint a secretary and treasurer or secretary-treasurer, and such other staff members as it may deem necessary for the proper conduct of the affairs of the union, and shall fix their remuneration.

117. The executive may appoint such committees as it sees fit and entrust to such committees the carrying out of any particular duty that it may assign to it.

118. The executive shall publish a paper and it shall be the official publication of the union. The executive shall mail a copy of each edition to each unit of membership, and to such other persons who may subscribe to it.

119. The executive shall provide such other services as may be from time to time determined by the union.

120. The executive shall maintain a record of members in such manner as it may from time to time determine.

Seal – How Affixed

121. The corporate seal of the union shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of a resolution of the executive and in the presence of two directors, or such other person or persons as the executive may appoint for the purpose; and such directors or other person or persons as aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the seal of the union is so affixed.

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Women’s Advisory Committee

122. It shall be the duty of the women’s advisory committee to advise the women’s president, to assist her in her duties, and encourage participation of women within the general program of the union.

Youth Advisory Committee

123. (a) All members elected to hold youth offices shall be between the years of 14 and 34 at the time of taking office. (01/94, 11/03, 11/09)

(b) It shall be the duty of the youth advisory committee to advise and assist the youth president in developing programs that are of particular interest to youth, and co-ordinate such activities within the general program of the union.

GENERAL

Political Candidates, etc., Disqualified from Office

124. Any elected officer of the union, or of any district, or any member of the board who announces or allows to be announced as a nominee, as a candidate or as a candidate for election as a member of any provincial Legislature, or of the House of Commons, or accepts appointment as a member of the Senate of Canada, shall, ipso facto, cease to hold such elected office; and shall, as long as nomination is sought as a candidate or such candidate, or a member of such Legislature or of the House of Commons or of the Senate of Canada, be ineligible for election to any office in the union or of any district of the union. (12/72)

125. Any elected officer of the union, or any district, or any local, or any member of the board who is elected to any other office of the union, or of any district, or any local, or the board, shall cease to hold the office previously held.

Fiscal Year

126. The fiscal year of the union shall be from October 1 to September 30 of each year. (12/73)

Amending Constitution

127. The constitution of the union may be amended at any convention of the union in the following manner:

(a) The board, any district convention, any regional convention, may propose an amendment to the constitution. (11/02)

(b) A copy of every proposed amendment passed by any district convention or any regional meeting shall be sent to central office at least 45 days before the date of the convention at which it is to be proposed. (12/74, 01/94)

(c) The central office shall, at least 30 days before the date set for the convention, mail to each person entitled to attend the convention, as defined in Section 23(a), and to the secretary of each local, a copy of the proposed amendment.

(d) Twenty-four hours advance notice shall be given to delegates attending convention before presentation of any motion for constitutional amendment.

(e) Every amendment shall be adopted if notice thereof has been given as provided by (b), (c) and (d) hereof and if two-thirds of the delegates voting at the convention vote in favour of it.

128. The executive shall be empowered to:

(a) Prepare and arrange for the publication of these bylaws.

(b) Omit from time to time all sections and parts thereof which have been repealed by the convention.

(c) Alter the numbers of the sections of the bylaws.

(d) Add additional sections that have been approved by the convention.

(e) Alter the wording of sections in accordance with amendments by the conventions.

(f) Prepare and arrange for publication from time to time of a revised copy of these bylaws.

129. Upon coming into force of these bylaws, the union shall assume the assets and liabilities transferred to it by any provincial farm union whose members have voted to become members of the union.

130. Where a region is participating in a provincial stable funding program, and a parallel organization/corporation is required by provincial legislation, the regional network (locals, districts, and region) shall continue to be the policy making body within the region. (11/02)